Around 1825, settlers came from miles around to a large meeting place across the road from Sardis Cemetery. It was Methodist in belief, but all denominations were welcome. A congregation member, Mr. Quinn, died while attending services about 1830 and was the first to be buried at the cemetery in 1835. Reverend Wesley Hawkins also died while attending one of these meetings and was buried near Mr. Quinn. Today, a replacement stone marks Mr. Hawkins's grave, and it is the oldest marked grave in the cemetery. Elizabeth Cherry's marker, dated 1838, is the oldest headstone still standing and possibly the oldest man-made object a person will ever touch. The cemetery is one of the largest in Henderson County, its name is Biblical, and many well-known contributors to the community are buried here, including Captain James Hanna, who had an original land grant where Sardis is now located.